Thailand and the EU are accelerating efforts to close a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), pushing for conclusions on six key issues to expand trade and attract new-era investment.

Thailand and the EU are accelerating efforts to close a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), pushing for conclusions on six key issues ranging from agricultural products and digital trade to intellectual property regulations, aiming to expand trade and attract modern investment.

On July 10, 2569 at 10.41:XNUMX a.m. Mr. Weeraphong Prapa, Thai Trade Representative Following a visit to Brussels, Belgium, from June 24-27, 2569, it was revealed that discussions were held with high-level representatives of the European Union (EU), members of the European Parliament, and representatives from the European private sector to push forward negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement between Thailand and the European Union (Thailand-EU FTA) and to exchange views on building trade partnerships and establishing stable and sustainable economic linkages between Thailand and the EU amidst geopolitical conflicts and global trade volatility.

Mr. Weerapong He stated that, based on discussions held between the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce (Ms. Supajee Suthamphan) and the European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security (Mr. Maroš Šefčović), and with the European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Christoph Hansen), as well as his own discussions with the trade advisor to the President of the European Commission, it was found that... The EU and Thai governments have agreed to expedite the conclusion of the Thailand-EU FTA as soon as possible and will support finding common ground on key outstanding issues.

These are divided into six groups: agricultural products, industrial products, procurement, energy and raw materials, digital trade, and regulations such as intellectual property. On the same occasion, Mr. Veerapong promoted projects and collaborations on environmental and sustainability, aligned with the EU Global Gateway policy, such as the ASEAN power grid project, water management, and the development of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), as well as linking supply chains between Thailand and Europe to attract investment in future industries.

In addition Mr. Weerapong also held discussions with members of the European Parliament and the EU's High Representative for Economic, Industrial and Environmental Policy. The two sides exchanged views on ways to support Thailand's preparedness for the EU's environmental policies. Topics discussed included the EU's Deforestation-Free Trade Agreement (EUDR) and the Circular Economy policy, as well as measures on human rights and labor. They also addressed the importance of streamlining EU supply chains with trading partners to prevent transshipment and the need to attract investment to the EU through the draft EU Industrial Accelerator Act.

In conclusion Mr. Weerapong added that I had the opportunity to meet and discuss with representatives from the private sector and business organizations of the EU to hear their feedback on FTA negotiations, regulatory upgrades, and future investment trends. The European private sector expressed confidence in Thailand's potential to connect value chains between Europe and the ASEAN region and is ready to support the swift conclusion of the Thailand-EU FTA negotiations.

Mr. Weerapong Added that This visit to Brussels will help accelerate the conclusion of negotiations for a Thailand-EU FTA, as both sides have expressed their intention and readiness to reach a consensus and find common ground on key outstanding issues. It also provides an opportunity to encourage EU governments and relevant agencies to support Thailand in preparing and developing practices that align with EU trade standards, policies, and sustainability guidelines. This will be a crucial advantage in expanding trade and investment and enhancing Thailand's long-term competitiveness.

refer : www.thaigov.go.th

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